Apple is talking to banks to launch Apple Pay in India this year

Apple is in talks with major Indian banks as it prepares to launch Apple Pay in the country sometime in mid-2026, reports Bloomberg.

Apple is said to be in talks with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to this publication.

The report confirms the story in January Business Standard said that Apple Pay was preparing to land in the Indian market before the end of the year. The Times of India and previously reported India plans for Apple Pay.

Today’s report says Apple is talking about the program with global payment networks Mastercard and Visa. UPI dominates digital payments in India, and Apple Pay is expected to support the government-backed payment interface, allowing customers to transfer money and bills quickly.

Apple Pay was launched more than 10 years ago, and is already available in 89 markets around the world. Late last year, India’s central bank approved new regulations allowing biometric authentication such as Touch ID and Face ID for digital payments. The country’s authentication methods previously relied on one-time passwords sent via SMS messages.

The time comes at a good time for Apple in India. The company recorded its highest quarterly shipment in the country during Q3 2025, reaching 5 million units and securing fourth place in the market for the first time, according to IDC data. Apple is also rapidly expanding its retail presence in India, with the opening of a sixth store in Mumbai on Thursday.